An everyday history of Upstate South Carolina from 1996 - 2000
1996
ABDUCTED GIRL TO REUNITE WITH MOM AFTER 10 YEARS
DONALDS, S.C. (AP) -- A former Arizona woman who now lives in Madison soon will be reunited with her 12-year-old daughter, who was abducted 10 years ago.
The girl was taken from Helen Braun's home in Tempe, Ariz., on Feb. 24, 1996. She has been found safe in South Carolina, the Abbeyville County Sheriff's Department said.
Rebekah Ann Braun was found by deputies in a home in Donalds Tuesday night, after a man thought to be her father was arrested in Virginia.
Helen Braun, in an interview with the Greenwood, S.C., Index-Journal, said she never lost hope that her daughter would be found alive.
"Late Tuesday they called and said they did find Rebekah and she was OK. I always knew I'd see her again. I just didn't expect it. I was just in shock -- complete shock. I'm still in shock," she said.
Braun said she has been told her daughter looks a lot like a computer-generated age-progression photo posted on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Web site.
"She knew she had another mother, but they told her some nasty things about me," Braun said with a shaky voice. "It's going to be a rough trip for both of us."
FBI agents arrested Danny Arthur Moran, 57, Monday in Roanoke, Va., where he had been living for about six months under an assumed identity, the Index-Journal reported Wednesday.
A citizen tip led authorities to Moran, said Kevin Foust, the supervisory special agent for the FBI in Roanoke, in an interview with WSPA-TV of Spartanburg, S.C.
The woman who owns the home where the girl was found is a friend of Moran's and was taken into custody, authorities said.
The FBI is working to reunite the girl with her mother.
Police say Helen Braun told them that on the day her daughter disappeared, the two were heading out of their apartment when the phone rang. Braun said she turned to answer it and no one was on the other end. When she turned back to her daughter, she was gone.
Officers went door to door and the mother got a phone call from Moran, who said he had taken Rebekah.
A warrant was issued for Moran on custodial interference charges, and the FBI was called into the case. It took a decade to find Moran, who authorities said even made calls to Helen Braun telling her she wasn't going to see her daughter again because she was an unfit mother who smoked in front of the child, authorities said. SOURCE "ABDUCTED GIRL, MOM TO BE REUNITED AFTER 10 YEARS." Capital Times [Madison, WI] 15 June 2006: B1. Custom Newspapers (InfoTrac-Gale). Web. 26 Apr. 2010.
Olympic Torch goes through the Upstate
On its way to Atlanta for the 1996 summer Olympics the torch went through Spartanburg, SC. Many people were a part of the torch’s journey, and the torch stopped for the night in Greenville, SC. Among the runners were some local residence along with a few high school students and BMW plant employees, some runners were from as far north as Asheville, NC. Most of the runners were made famous and onlookers posed for pictures. Who carried the flame was not as important as the flames first visit to the upstate. Three motorcycles with sidecars cleared the way for the runners.
Neely, Erik. “Runners Thrilled by experience”. Herald-Journal. Jun 26, 1996. A1, A8. BMW opens sleek car showcase
GREER, SC- On the 4th of July the BMW plant opened a car showcase in Greer, SC. The showcase will feature BMW’s luxury sports cars. The 30,000-square-foot building is called the Zentrum, which is German for “center”. It is a beautiful crescent-shape building and put the company out $1 million. The shape was chosen to signify open arms in welcoming customers to the showcase. Residences are pleased with the addition to the only US BMW factory and hope that it will bring more people to the area to boost commerce.
Associated Press. “BMW opens sleek car showcase”. Eugene Register-Guard. July 4, 1996. B2. Bush Sr. visits Spartanburg
George Bush Sr., the former president, attended a dinner at the Spartanburg County BMW plan on the 25th of September. Bush will be the featured guest at this dinner. The dinner will be held in BMW’s new Zentrum. Many important Upstate Republicans were in attendance. Bush was greeted by a large crowd at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
Haskins, Shelly. “Bush coming to upstate to stump for Thurmond”. Herald-Journal. Sep 19, 1996. B1
1997
Greenville NAACP plans boycott of white-owned S.C. businesses The Greenville NAACP chapter plans to boycott white-owned businesses to combat racial hostility in South Carolina. Leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People say that the civil rights movement is moving backwards not forwards. NAACP members also will meet with state and local leaders to discuss their concerns, such as the Confederate flag flying atop the Statehouse. The NAACP also plans a May 31 rally.
Source Associated , Press. " Greenville NAACP plans boycott of white-owned S.C. businesses ." The Item 5 May. 1997
Carolina First Offers $65 Million for First Southeast
The Carolina First Corporation, which is based in Greenville, S.C., said yesterday that it would buy the First Southeast Financial Corporation for $65 million in stock, making it the largest independent bank in South Carolina. Based on Carolina First's closing price on Monday, the deal is valued at $65 million. Carolina First shares rose 25 cents yesterday, to $15, while First Southeast rose $3.4375, to $13.4375. First Southeast shareholders would receive one share of Carolina First common stock for each share of First Southeast. First Southeast is the holding company for First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Anderson, S.C.
Source Associated, Press. “Carolina First Offers $65 Million for First Southeast.” The New York Times 2 July. 1997
Gordon Wows Greenville Fans
When about 150 curious race fans dropped by to see what all the noise was at the Greenville-Pickens Speedway, they got a pleasant surprise. Jeff Gordon was in town Tuesday, preparing his car for Sunday’s Jiffy Lube 200 in Loudon, N.H. Race fans were kept outside the gates but got a glimpse of Gordon any way they could. The 25-year old Gordon, with seven wins in 16 races this season, said the track is a miniature version of Loudon, with its long straightaway and flat corners. Gordon says that he loves the track and is very fun, he would also think it would be nice to see a couple guys race around at the G-P Speedway. Racecar drivers do not advertise their visits during practice because it draws too much of a crowd.
Source Associated, Press. “Gordon Wows Greenville Fans.” Lodi News- Sentinel 7 July. 1997
S.C. university chancellor dies
Bob Jones Jr., Chancellor and chairman of the fundamentalist Christian Bob Jones University, died Wednesday at age 86. He was diagnosed with abdominal cancer in September. Jones was named president of the school in 1947, the year it became a university and moved to Greenville.
Source Associated , Press. “S.C. university chancellor dies.” The Tuscaloosa News 12 November.
Students march against Flag “Put Our History Where it Belongs: In a Museum,” and “Bag the Flag” were slogans of 40 teenagers. The confederate flag had been flown over the South Carolina state capital as a memory of the soldiers who fought for South Carolina in the Civil War. The students rallied in front of the state building to demonstrate the disapproval of the, now symbol for racism, confederate flag. This was a single demonstration in the states long battle with the Flag. This battle would rage on until April 12, 2000 when a bill was passed to remove the flag from the state capital. “Upstate students march against flag”. Herald-Journal. Mar 3, 1997. A9 Car salesman shoots customer After an argument between Lundan McCullom, 23, and Alvin Tinsley, 57, over how long McCullom had taken a Ford Explorer out for a test drive, Tinsley put a round into McCullom’s chest. The shooting took place at 5 pm and brings light to the question: If a car salesman convince anyone to do anything, why would he need a gun? “Car Salesman shoots prospective buyer”. Herald-Journal. Mar 3, 1997. A9 Colleges need money CLEMSON- After a decrease in state funding many of the upstate’s universities looked toward companies for money. Clemson University reported a drop of 4.2% from 1988 to 1996. So in 1996 18% of Clemson’s $330.8 million budget was provided not by the state but by private companies. Much of this money came through gifts grants and contracts. In 1988 only 12% of Clemson’s budget came from these areas. Many agreed that this shift in responsibility was not the direction that the Schools wanted to go in, and the students would be the ones to suffer for it. “S.C. colleges turning to companies for money”. The Item. Apr 13, 1997. 4A 200+ at a Civil Rights protest GREENVILLE- From Springfield Baptist Church to the Greenville Federal building, protestors march for civil rights awareness. This march was sponsored by the NAACP. One of the topics included the controversial confederate flag on the capital. The march focuses on those who are sitting back, hoping racism will just go away, and calls them up to action. After the rally the NAACP organized boycotts of businesses who supported the flags place over the capital building. Black ribbons were worn and white businesses were boycotted in the month of June 1997. Associated press. “Civil rights protest draws more than 200”. Herald-Journal. Jun1, 1997. B1. Upstate drug ring Busted! GREENVILL- 500 pounds of Marijuana, valued at $1 million, 14 guns and three cars were seized after 79 people were arrested in a huge drug bust. This was the largest marijuana bust to date in South Carolina. Most of the defendants were from Spartanburg, Greenville, Anderson, Laurens, and Pickens counties. This raid was a vital blow to South Carolina’s drug ring. Authorities were pleased with the result and assured residence that they had successfully reduced the amount of drugs out on the street and prevented the ring from spreading to other counties. 43 of the defendants were charged with trafficking and got 25 years in prison, minimum. Glenn, Murray. “Authorities bust upstate drug ring”. Herald-Journal. Oct 21, 1997. A1, A9. Graduated with a major in Funeral directing… GREENVILLE- Greenville tech and Piedmont tech began new course majors. Seeing a need for funeral home directors the two college’s provided courses to prepare students for the work. Before the business was considered a family affair that dealt with apprenticeships. Now a 19 year veteran heads up the programs. “Upstate schools add funeral training ckasses”. The Item. Dec24, 1997. 2A
1997
1998
Greenville museum to get 23 Wyeth works Nearly two dozen paintings by Andrew Wyeth valued at $8 million will make their home at the Greenville County Museum of Art, some eight years after it lost a similar Wyeth collection. The museum is buying 17 Wyeth watercolors for $6 million from a North Carolina doctor. The deal also includes a gift of six additional Wyeth paintings valued at about $2 million Source Associated , Press. “Greenville museum to get 23 Wyeth works.” Daily News 22 March. 1998
3 Bingo promoters accused of running illegal lottery in S.C. Three Upstate bingo promoters have been charged with running an illegal lottery for allegedly selling bingo cards for more than they were worth. Ramon Ashy Sr., 58; Ramon Ashy Jr., 28; and Ziad Saad, 42, all of Greenville, were arrested Thursday afternoon in a crackdown by the State Revenue Department. The five month investigation focused on bingo operations in Anderson, Greenville and Spartenburg counties. Investigators said they saw sellers selling cards for more than their face value resulting in a tax evasion because taxes are based on the face value of the cards. If convicted, the promoters will be barred from running bingo parlors and face possible jail time. Source Associated Press. “3 Bingo promoters accused of running illegal lottery in S.C.” Herald-Journal 17 July. 1989
Gambling machine operators file lawsuit
A group of Oconee County video gambling machine owners have sued the state Revenue Department, charging that a 1994 referendum enforced by the department illegally interfered with their business. The lawsuit was filed by Chuck and Betty Kormelink and Dave and Ethel Seeton, former shareholders of Stateline Casino Inc. in Fair Play.
The lawsuit charges that as a result of the department's enforcement of the county referendum, the plaintiff's business were unconstitutionally shut down. Twelve of the 46 South Carolina counties banned video poker in the referendum. Anderson, Oconee and Pickens were three of the counties that outlawed payouts. The lawsuit cites the Nov. 4,1996 ruling by the south Carolina Supreme Court striking down video poker liscence revocations as evidence that the revenue department's actions were illegal.
Kormelink said state leaders are using video poker as a political tool. Revenue Department spokeswoman Vicki Ringer said the lawsuit is just one of many filed by video poker operators across the state against the department
Linking South Carolina's Heritage Corridor with the Blue Ridge Parkway is a worthwhile attempt to bring more tourism to the Upstate Officials with the SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism are working on a plan to connect SC tourist efforts with the established vacation mecca in the NC mountains. They would use existing roads to link the Southern end of the parkway in cherokee to highway 11 in Oconee or Pickens counties.
That would connect the parkway to SC Heratige Corridor, the designation for a path from Oconee County to Charleston. Spartanburg County is not included in the Heritage Corridor, but if the plan works, this part of the Upstate could see some benefit.
The plan also could boost the esteem in which we hold Highway 11. Now that the state has acquired the Jocassee Gorges wilderness area to complement the state parks already located on highway 11, the area should have significant potential for tourism.
Maximizing the interest in and the protection of the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway would benefit the entire Upstate.
Source Associated, Press. "A plan worth pursuing." Herald-Journal 28 Aug. 1998
1999
Residents, roads in upstate SC recovering from storm
Upstate roads and residents are slowly recovering from a frigid winter storm that left a coat of ice on highways and trees and knocked out power to roughly 235,000 SC customers this weekend. But the National Weather Service said the roads and bridges would remain hazardous at least through this morning as melting ice froze again.
Overnight temperatures were expected to range from the teens in the mountains to the lower 20's in the Piedmont. Highs should only reach into the 30's and 40's. Thousands of people are still without electricit. Duke energy Corp. said it could be Tuesday night before all power is restored.
Most of the outages were in Pickens, Oconee, Greenville, Anderson and Spartanburg counties. About 100,000 Duke customers were without electricity at 7 a.m. The Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative restored service to its customers by 4:30 a.m. About 12,000 customers lost power during the storm.
Source Associated, Press "Residents, roads in upstate SC recovering from storm" The Item 4 Jan. 1999
Drought conditions downgraded
Recent rains have quenched much of SC, prompting state officials to downgrade drought conditions in all but nine Upstate counties, including Spartanburg County. The state Drought Response Committee removed the drought advisory from Georgetown, Marion, Dillon and Horry counties inundated by rains from Hurricane Floyd.
A severe Status continued for Oconoo, Pickens, Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee, Union, Laurens and York counties, while a moderate drought remained for the rest of the state. Rainfall deficit in the Upstate since Jan. 1 was still 15 to 20 inches says the Natural Resources Department.
With its reservoir at its lowest level since it was built almost 30 years ago, the Pickens City Council ordered mandatory water restrictions for the 4,300 water customers starting Monday. State officials predict the drought conditions for SC will continue through May 2000.
Eighty years after the World Series that resulted in Shoeless Joe Jackson's lifetime ban from baseball, the House of Representatives passed a resolution Monday calling for him to be honored. In a messure approved by a voice vote, the House stopped short of calling for his induction into the Hall of Fame, but that was the sentiment during the floor debate. The non-binding resolution now goes to the Senate. Jackson, acquitted of criminal charges with the 1919 Black Sox scandal, was eligible for the Hall of Fame until 1991 but was never voted in either by the Baseball Writers' Association of American or the veterans committii.
Source Associated, Press. "House calls for honoring of Shoeless Joe." Daily News 9 Nov. 1999
Dumping treated wastewater in water sources to be banned
The dumping of treated toilet waste into lakes Georgia and South Carolina use for drinking water will soon be illigal, state health officials say. Upstate Lakes Keowee and J. Strom Thurmond are among five waterways where the dumping will be banned. Restrictions already are in place for Lake Hartwell.
The issue arose two years ago, when homeowners complained about marine toilet discharges in Lake Murray near Columbia and Broad Creek on Hilton Head Island, said Bill McKinnon, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Environmental Control. Although no stomach ailments have been attributed to contact with the lake water, the potenial exists for organisms in sewage to cause sickness and diseases, he said.
DHEC found discharges of improperly sanitized wastewater in lakes Keowee, Murray, Thurmond and Wylie. The problem also was found in Broad Creek. DHEC said the problem is widespread and action is needed because the lakes supply drinking water. Keowee supplies drinking water for Seneca and Greenville, while Thurmond is a source for McCormick and several towns in Georgia, McKinnon said. Boats are currently allowed to discharge waste that has undergone some treatment and disinfection. Discharging untreated waste is illegal on all bodies of water.
Source Associated, Press. "Dumping treated wastewater in water sources to be banned." Rome News-Tribune 27 Oct. 1999
2000
Bob Jones U. stunned by lifting of interracial-dating ban
Bob Jones University's decision to lift its half-century-old ban on interracial dating has stunned the fundamentalist Christian school's supporters who learned about it Friday night in a national television interview with President Bob Jones III. Thousands of students and supporters gathered at the university's auditorium to watch Jones' interview on CNN's "Larry King Live." Many gasped in surprise at Jones' announcement, Frances Seibert, the mother of two graduates, told The Greenville News.
Jones said the extraordinary national scutiny the school has recieved since George W. Bush made a campaign appearance led the move. Bush appeared at the school last month and later apologized for failing to criticize the school's anti- Catholic views and racial policies. The Greenville school banned interracial dating in 1950's, when an Asian family threatened to sue after their son, a student, almost married a white girl, a school spokeswoman said. The first black student was not admitted until 1970's and lost a 13-year battle with the IRS, which said the school's policies were discriminatory.
Associated, Press. Davenport, Jim. "Bob Jones U. stunned by lifting of interracial-dating ban." The Day 2 March. 2000
NCAA won't move playoffs because of Confederate flag
The NCAA Executive Committee decided Friday to keep three Final Four basketball tournaments in Atlanta and a regional in SC, rejecting calls by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to move them.
The SCLC had called for moving the NCAA events from Atlanta because the state flag includes the Confederate battle symbol. The Black Coaches Association wanted the NCAA to move the first and second rounds of the 2002 men's basketball regionals from Greenville, SC because that state flies the Confederate battle flag atop its statehouse.
The NCAA also thanked the SC legislature and Govenor for responding to its April resolution that the confederate flag be removed from its position atop the SC statehouse.
SCLC president Martin Luther King III sent a letter tuesday to NCAA president Cedric Dempsey, urging that the men's Final Four tournaments in 2002 and 2007 and the women's tournament in 2003 be shifted from Atlanta unless the Georgia flag is changed by March 31, 2001.
The action by the NCAA committee apparently did not satisfy Jelian Bond, chairman of the board of the NAACP. The focus has been on SC when the actual tournaments are held in Georgia.
Source Associated, Press. "NCAA won't move playoffs because of Confederate flag." The Argus-Press 13 Aug. 2000
The Jungle
TV talk show host Queen Latifah switched jobs with a fan last week and spent the day working as a zookeeper in Greenville, SC. As part of her syndicated show, the rapper-turned-TV-personality showed up at the Greenville Zoo on Friday in black boots and a cap to feed and tend to the zoo's inhabitants.
She cleaned up after the lemurs, washed an elephant and was handed a pair of tongs to feed a dead white rat to a 15-foot python. All was going well until the python lunged, Queen Latifah screamed and jumped back, and the python swallowed rodent and tool whole, The Greenville News reported.
Source Associated, Press. "The Jungle." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 7 Nov. 2000
Michigan man sells Jackson baseball
A baseball with the signature of Shoeless Joe Jackson could fetch $100,000 for the University of South Carolina-Aiken. There are no known signed Jackson balls, because Jackson was illiterate and could not write. a lot depends on the authenticity. The Jackson ball belongs to David Miller of Dearborn Heights, Mich. Miller said he saw jackson sign the ball when Miller and his parents visited Greenville in 1946.
Miller said the ball was purchased for him at a local store, and Jackson printed his name in green ink. He added "Grenville, SC," misspelling the city's name. "My memory of Joe Jackson then was that he was a relatively fat and old man, probably in his 60's," Miller said.
Source Associated, Press. "Michigan man sells Jackson baseball." The Argus-Press 3 Dec. 2000
1996
ABDUCTED GIRL TO REUNITE WITH MOM AFTER 10 YEARSDONALDS, S.C. (AP) -- A former Arizona woman who now lives in Madison soon will be reunited with her 12-year-old daughter, who was abducted 10 years ago.
The girl was taken from Helen Braun's home in Tempe, Ariz., on Feb. 24, 1996. She has been found safe in South Carolina, the Abbeyville County Sheriff's Department said.
Rebekah Ann Braun was found by deputies in a home in Donalds Tuesday night, after a man thought to be her father was arrested in Virginia.
Helen Braun, in an interview with the Greenwood, S.C., Index-Journal, said she never lost hope that her daughter would be found alive.
"Late Tuesday they called and said they did find Rebekah and she was OK. I always knew I'd see her again. I just didn't expect it. I was just in shock -- complete shock. I'm still in shock," she said.
Braun said she has been told her daughter looks a lot like a computer-generated age-progression photo posted on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Web site.
"She knew she had another mother, but they told her some nasty things about me," Braun said with a shaky voice. "It's going to be a rough trip for both of us."
FBI agents arrested Danny Arthur Moran, 57, Monday in Roanoke, Va., where he had been living for about six months under an assumed identity, the Index-Journal reported Wednesday.
A citizen tip led authorities to Moran, said Kevin Foust, the supervisory special agent for the FBI in Roanoke, in an interview with WSPA-TV of Spartanburg, S.C.
The woman who owns the home where the girl was found is a friend of Moran's and was taken into custody, authorities said.
The FBI is working to reunite the girl with her mother.
Police say Helen Braun told them that on the day her daughter disappeared, the two were heading out of their apartment when the phone rang. Braun said she turned to answer it and no one was on the other end. When she turned back to her daughter, she was gone.
Officers went door to door and the mother got a phone call from Moran, who said he had taken Rebekah.
A warrant was issued for Moran on custodial interference charges, and the FBI was called into the case. It took a decade to find Moran, who authorities said even made calls to Helen Braun telling her she wasn't going to see her daughter again because she was an unfit mother who smoked in front of the child, authorities said.
SOURCE
"ABDUCTED GIRL, MOM TO BE REUNITED AFTER 10 YEARS." Capital Times [Madison, WI] 15 June 2006: B1. Custom Newspapers (InfoTrac-Gale). Web. 26 Apr. 2010.
Olympic Torch goes through the Upstate
On its way to Atlanta for the 1996 summer Olympics the torch went through Spartanburg, SC. Many people were a part of the torch’s journey, and the torch stopped for the night in Greenville, SC. Among the runners were some local residence along with a few high school students and BMW plant employees, some runners were from as far north as Asheville, NC. Most of the runners were made famous and onlookers posed for pictures. Who carried the flame was not as important as the flames first visit to the upstate. Three motorcycles with sidecars cleared the way for the runners.
Neely, Erik. “Runners Thrilled by experience”. Herald-Journal. Jun 26, 1996. A1, A8.
BMW opens sleek car showcase
GREER, SC- On the 4th of July the BMW plant opened a car showcase in Greer, SC. The showcase will feature BMW’s luxury sports cars. The 30,000-square-foot building is called the Zentrum, which is German for “center”. It is a beautiful crescent-shape building and put the company out $1 million. The shape was chosen to signify open arms in welcoming customers to the showcase. Residences are pleased with the addition to the only US BMW factory and hope that it will bring more people to the area to boost commerce.
Associated Press. “BMW opens sleek car showcase”. Eugene Register-Guard. July 4, 1996. B2.
Bush Sr. visits Spartanburg
George Bush Sr., the former president, attended a dinner at the Spartanburg County BMW plan on the 25th of September. Bush will be the featured guest at this dinner. The dinner will be held in BMW’s new Zentrum. Many important Upstate Republicans were in attendance. Bush was greeted by a large crowd at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
Haskins, Shelly. “Bush coming to upstate to stump for Thurmond”. Herald-Journal. Sep 19, 1996. B1
1997
Greenville NAACP plans boycott of white-owned S.C. businesses The Greenville NAACP chapter plans to boycott white-owned businesses to combat racial hostility in South Carolina. Leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People say that the civil rights movement is moving backwards not forwards. NAACP members also will meet with state and local leaders to discuss their concerns, such as the Confederate flag flying atop the Statehouse. The NAACP also plans a May 31 rally.
Source
Associated , Press. " Greenville NAACP plans boycott of white-owned S.C. businesses ." The Item 5 May. 1997
Carolina First Offers $65 Million for First Southeast
The Carolina First Corporation, which is based in Greenville, S.C., said yesterday that it would buy the First Southeast Financial Corporation for $65 million in stock, making it the largest independent bank in South Carolina. Based on Carolina First's closing price on Monday, the deal is valued at $65 million. Carolina First shares rose 25 cents yesterday, to $15, while First Southeast rose $3.4375, to $13.4375. First Southeast shareholders would receive one share of Carolina First common stock for each share of First Southeast. First Southeast is the holding company for First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Anderson, S.C.
Source
Associated, Press. “Carolina First Offers $65 Million for First Southeast.” The New York Times 2 July. 1997
Gordon Wows Greenville Fans
When about 150 curious race fans dropped by to see what all the noise was at the Greenville-Pickens Speedway, they got a pleasant surprise. Jeff Gordon was in town Tuesday, preparing his car for Sunday’s Jiffy Lube 200 in Loudon, N.H. Race fans were kept outside the gates but got a glimpse of Gordon any way they could. The 25-year old Gordon, with seven wins in 16 races this season, said the track is a miniature version of Loudon, with its long straightaway and flat corners. Gordon says that he loves the track and is very fun, he would also think it would be nice to see a couple guys race around at the G-P Speedway. Racecar drivers do not advertise their visits during practice because it draws too much of a crowd.
Source
Associated, Press. “Gordon Wows Greenville Fans.” Lodi News- Sentinel 7 July. 1997
S.C. university chancellor dies
Bob Jones Jr., Chancellor and chairman of the fundamentalist Christian Bob Jones University, died Wednesday at age 86. He was diagnosed with abdominal cancer in September. Jones was named president of the school in 1947, the year it became a university and moved to Greenville.
Source
Associated , Press. “S.C. university chancellor dies.” The Tuscaloosa News 12 November.
Students march against Flag
“Put Our History Where it Belongs: In a Museum,” and “Bag the Flag” were slogans of 40 teenagers. The confederate flag had been flown over the South Carolina state capital as a memory of the soldiers who fought for South Carolina in the Civil War. The students rallied in front of the state building to demonstrate the disapproval of the, now symbol for racism, confederate flag. This was a single demonstration in the states long battle with the Flag. This battle would rage on until April 12, 2000 when a bill was passed to remove the flag from the state capital.
“Upstate students march against flag”. Herald-Journal. Mar 3, 1997. A9
Car salesman shoots customer
After an argument between Lundan McCullom, 23, and Alvin Tinsley, 57, over how long McCullom had taken a Ford Explorer out for a test drive, Tinsley put a round into McCullom’s chest. The shooting took place at 5 pm and brings light to the question: If a car salesman convince anyone to do anything, why would he need a gun?
“Car Salesman shoots prospective buyer”. Herald-Journal. Mar 3, 1997. A9
Colleges need money
CLEMSON- After a decrease in state funding many of the upstate’s universities looked toward companies for money. Clemson University reported a drop of 4.2% from 1988 to 1996. So in 1996 18% of Clemson’s $330.8 million budget was provided not by the state but by private companies. Much of this money came through gifts grants and contracts. In 1988 only 12% of Clemson’s budget came from these areas. Many agreed that this shift in responsibility was not the direction that the Schools wanted to go in, and the students would be the ones to suffer for it.
“S.C. colleges turning to companies for money”. The Item. Apr 13, 1997. 4A
200+ at a Civil Rights protest
GREENVILLE- From Springfield Baptist Church to the Greenville Federal building, protestors march for civil rights awareness. This march was sponsored by the NAACP. One of the topics included the controversial confederate flag on the capital. The march focuses on those who are sitting back, hoping racism will just go away, and calls them up to action. After the rally the NAACP organized boycotts of businesses who supported the flags place over the capital building. Black ribbons were worn and white businesses were boycotted in the month of June 1997.
Associated press. “Civil rights protest draws more than 200”. Herald-Journal. Jun1, 1997. B1.
Upstate drug ring Busted!
GREENVILL- 500 pounds of Marijuana, valued at $1 million, 14 guns and three cars were seized after 79 people were arrested in a huge drug bust. This was the largest marijuana bust to date in South Carolina. Most of the defendants were from Spartanburg, Greenville, Anderson, Laurens, and Pickens counties. This raid was a vital blow to South Carolina’s drug ring. Authorities were pleased with the result and assured residence that they had successfully reduced the amount of drugs out on the street and prevented the ring from spreading to other counties. 43 of the defendants were charged with trafficking and got 25 years in prison, minimum.
Glenn, Murray. “Authorities bust upstate drug ring”. Herald-Journal. Oct 21, 1997. A1, A9.
Graduated with a major in Funeral directing…
GREENVILLE- Greenville tech and Piedmont tech began new course majors. Seeing a need for funeral home directors the two college’s provided courses to prepare students for the work. Before the business was considered a family affair that dealt with apprenticeships. Now a 19 year veteran heads up the programs.
“Upstate schools add funeral training ckasses”. The Item. Dec24, 1997. 2A
1997
1998
Greenville museum to get 23 Wyeth works
Nearly two dozen paintings by Andrew Wyeth valued at $8 million will make their home at the Greenville County Museum of Art, some eight years after it lost a similar Wyeth collection. The museum is buying 17 Wyeth watercolors for $6 million from a North Carolina doctor. The deal also includes a gift of six additional Wyeth paintings valued at about $2 million
Source
Associated , Press. “Greenville museum to get 23 Wyeth works.” Daily News 22 March. 1998
3 Bingo promoters accused of running illegal lottery in S.C.
Three Upstate bingo promoters have been charged with running an illegal lottery for allegedly selling bingo cards for more than they were worth.
Ramon Ashy Sr., 58; Ramon Ashy Jr., 28; and Ziad Saad, 42, all of Greenville, were arrested Thursday afternoon in a crackdown by the State Revenue Department. The five month investigation focused on bingo operations in Anderson, Greenville and Spartenburg counties. Investigators said they saw sellers selling cards for more than their face value resulting in a tax evasion because taxes are based on the face value of the cards.
If convicted, the promoters will be barred from running bingo parlors and face possible jail time.
Source
Associated Press. “3 Bingo promoters accused of running illegal lottery in S.C.” Herald-Journal 17 July. 1989
Gambling machine operators file lawsuit
A group of Oconee County video gambling machine owners have sued the state Revenue Department, charging that a 1994 referendum enforced by the department illegally interfered with their business. The lawsuit was filed by Chuck and Betty Kormelink and Dave and Ethel Seeton, former shareholders of Stateline Casino Inc. in Fair Play.
The lawsuit charges that as a result of the department's enforcement of the county referendum, the plaintiff's business were unconstitutionally shut down. Twelve of the 46 South Carolina counties banned video poker in the referendum. Anderson, Oconee and Pickens were three of the counties that outlawed payouts. The lawsuit cites the Nov. 4,1996 ruling by the south Carolina Supreme Court striking down video poker liscence revocations as evidence that the revenue department's actions were illegal.
Kormelink said state leaders are using video poker as a political tool. Revenue Department spokeswoman Vicki Ringer said the lawsuit is just one of many filed by video poker operators across the state against the department
Source
Associated, Press "Gambling machine operators file lawsuit." Herald-Journal 4 July. 1998
A plan worth pursuing
Linking South Carolina's Heritage Corridor with the Blue Ridge Parkway is a worthwhile attempt to bring more tourism to the Upstate Officials with the SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism are working on a plan to connect SC tourist efforts with the established vacation mecca in the NC mountains. They would use existing roads to link the Southern end of the parkway in cherokee to highway 11 in Oconee or Pickens counties.
That would connect the parkway to SC Heratige Corridor, the designation for a path from Oconee County to Charleston. Spartanburg County is not included in the Heritage Corridor, but if the plan works, this part of the Upstate could see some benefit.
The plan also could boost the esteem in which we hold Highway 11. Now that the state has acquired the Jocassee Gorges wilderness area to complement the state parks already located on highway 11, the area should have significant potential for tourism.
Maximizing the interest in and the protection of the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway would benefit the entire Upstate.
Source
Associated, Press. "A plan worth pursuing." Herald-Journal 28 Aug. 1998
1999
Residents, roads in upstate SC recovering from storm
Upstate roads and residents are slowly recovering from a frigid winter storm that left a coat of ice on highways and trees and knocked out power to roughly 235,000 SC customers this weekend. But the National Weather Service said the roads and bridges would remain hazardous at least through this morning as melting ice froze again.
Overnight temperatures were expected to range from the teens in the mountains to the lower 20's in the Piedmont. Highs should only reach into the 30's and 40's. Thousands of people are still without electricit. Duke energy Corp. said it could be Tuesday night before all power is restored.
Most of the outages were in Pickens, Oconee, Greenville, Anderson and Spartanburg counties. About 100,000 Duke customers were without electricity at 7 a.m. The Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative restored service to its customers by 4:30 a.m. About 12,000 customers lost power during the storm.
Source
Associated, Press "Residents, roads in upstate SC recovering from storm" The Item 4 Jan. 1999
Drought conditions downgraded
Recent rains have quenched much of SC, prompting state officials to downgrade drought conditions in all but nine Upstate counties, including Spartanburg County. The state Drought Response Committee removed the drought advisory from Georgetown, Marion, Dillon and Horry counties inundated by rains from Hurricane Floyd.
A severe Status continued for Oconoo, Pickens, Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee, Union, Laurens and York counties, while a moderate drought remained for the rest of the state. Rainfall deficit in the Upstate since Jan. 1 was still 15 to 20 inches says the Natural Resources Department.
With its reservoir at its lowest level since it was built almost 30 years ago, the Pickens City Council ordered mandatory water restrictions for the 4,300 water customers starting Monday. State officials predict the drought conditions for SC will continue through May 2000.
Source
Associated, Press. "Drought conditions downgraded." Herald-Journal 1 Oct. 1999
House calls for honoring of Shoeless Joe
Eighty years after the World Series that resulted in Shoeless Joe Jackson's lifetime ban from baseball, the House of Representatives passed a resolution Monday calling for him to be honored. In a messure approved by a voice vote, the House stopped short of calling for his induction into the Hall of Fame, but that was the sentiment during the floor debate. The non-binding resolution now goes to the Senate. Jackson, acquitted of criminal charges with the 1919 Black Sox scandal, was eligible for the Hall of Fame until 1991 but was never voted in either by the Baseball Writers' Association of American or the veterans committii.
Source
Associated, Press. "House calls for honoring of Shoeless Joe." Daily News 9 Nov. 1999
Dumping treated wastewater in water sources to be banned
The dumping of treated toilet waste into lakes Georgia and South Carolina use for drinking water will soon be illigal, state health officials say. Upstate Lakes Keowee and J. Strom Thurmond are among five waterways where the dumping will be banned. Restrictions already are in place for Lake Hartwell.
The issue arose two years ago, when homeowners complained about marine toilet discharges in Lake Murray near Columbia and Broad Creek on Hilton Head Island, said Bill McKinnon, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Environmental Control. Although no stomach ailments have been attributed to contact with the lake water, the potenial exists for organisms in sewage to cause sickness and diseases, he said.
DHEC found discharges of improperly sanitized wastewater in lakes Keowee, Murray, Thurmond and Wylie. The problem also was found in Broad Creek. DHEC said the problem is widespread and action is needed because the lakes supply drinking water. Keowee supplies drinking water for Seneca and Greenville, while Thurmond is a source for McCormick and several towns in Georgia, McKinnon said. Boats are currently allowed to discharge waste that has undergone some treatment and disinfection. Discharging untreated waste is illegal on all bodies of water.
Source
Associated, Press. "Dumping treated wastewater in water sources to be banned." Rome News-Tribune 27 Oct. 1999
2000
Bob Jones U. stunned by lifting of interracial-dating ban
Bob Jones University's decision to lift its half-century-old ban on interracial dating has stunned the fundamentalist Christian school's supporters who learned about it Friday night in a national television interview with President Bob Jones III. Thousands of students and supporters gathered at the university's auditorium to watch Jones' interview on CNN's "Larry King Live." Many gasped in surprise at Jones' announcement, Frances Seibert, the mother of two graduates, told The Greenville News.
Jones said the extraordinary national scutiny the school has recieved since George W. Bush made a campaign appearance led the move. Bush appeared at the school last month and later apologized for failing to criticize the school's anti- Catholic views and racial policies. The Greenville school banned interracial dating in 1950's, when an Asian family threatened to sue after their son, a student, almost married a white girl, a school spokeswoman said. The first black student was not admitted until 1970's and lost a 13-year battle with the IRS, which said the school's policies were discriminatory.
Associated, Press. Davenport, Jim. "Bob Jones U. stunned by lifting of interracial-dating ban." The Day 2 March. 2000
NCAA won't move playoffs because of Confederate flag
The NCAA Executive Committee decided Friday to keep three Final Four basketball tournaments in Atlanta and a regional in SC, rejecting calls by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to move them.
The SCLC had called for moving the NCAA events from Atlanta because the state flag includes the Confederate battle symbol. The Black Coaches Association wanted the NCAA to move the first and second rounds of the 2002 men's basketball regionals from Greenville, SC because that state flies the Confederate battle flag atop its statehouse.
The NCAA also thanked the SC legislature and Govenor for responding to its April resolution that the confederate flag be removed from its position atop the SC statehouse.
SCLC president Martin Luther King III sent a letter tuesday to NCAA president Cedric Dempsey, urging that the men's Final Four tournaments in 2002 and 2007 and the women's tournament in 2003 be shifted from Atlanta unless the Georgia flag is changed by March 31, 2001.
The action by the NCAA committee apparently did not satisfy Jelian Bond, chairman of the board of the NAACP. The focus has been on SC when the actual tournaments are held in Georgia.
Source
Associated, Press. "NCAA won't move playoffs because of Confederate flag." The Argus-Press 13 Aug. 2000
The Jungle
TV talk show host Queen Latifah switched jobs with a fan last week and spent the day working as a zookeeper in Greenville, SC. As part of her syndicated show, the rapper-turned-TV-personality showed up at the Greenville Zoo on Friday in black boots and a cap to feed and tend to the zoo's inhabitants.
She cleaned up after the lemurs, washed an elephant and was handed a pair of tongs to feed a dead white rat to a 15-foot python. All was going well until the python lunged, Queen Latifah screamed and jumped back, and the python swallowed rodent and tool whole, The Greenville News reported.
Source
Associated, Press. "The Jungle." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 7 Nov. 2000
Michigan man sells Jackson baseball
A baseball with the signature of Shoeless Joe Jackson could fetch $100,000 for the University of South Carolina-Aiken. There are no known signed Jackson balls, because Jackson was illiterate and could not write. a lot depends on the authenticity. The Jackson ball belongs to David Miller of Dearborn Heights, Mich. Miller said he saw jackson sign the ball when Miller and his parents visited Greenville in 1946.
Miller said the ball was purchased for him at a local store, and Jackson printed his name in green ink. He added "Grenville, SC," misspelling the city's name. "My memory of Joe Jackson then was that he was a relatively fat and old man, probably in his 60's," Miller said.
Source
Associated, Press. "Michigan man sells Jackson baseball." The Argus-Press 3 Dec. 2000